Schoolboy is pre-World Cup mascot for Rooney’s England

A FOOTBALL-MAD schoolboy fulfilled every fan’s dream of walking on to the pitch next to his national heroes.

Joe Scurr, of Princethorpe Drive, Banbury, walked into Miami’s Sun Life Stadium on Saturday next to Wayne Rooney before England’s 0-0 draw against Honduras.

The nine-year-old starred as a mascot at the team’s international friendly and got the chance to meet the England stars in the flesh.

Joe flew out with dad Mark on Thursday and returned home on Monday.

Both dad and Joe are members of the England Supporters’ Group and Joe won the chance to be mascot through the official website, englandfans, after entering a prize draw.

Joe, a Liverpool fan, said: “I was a bit nervous, but I was excited. I think I was the only mascot who was really happy. When we got there, we went through the tunnel. We had a few minutes to meet and talk to the players and sign T-shirts.

“I met Glenn Johnson and Wayne Rooney. I said ‘can you sign my T-shirt?’ “I was excited and the players were excited.”

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney chose to walk on to the field with Joe and also posed for pictures with the Hill View School pupil.

The pair are avid Engalnd supporters and Joe went to his first international match aged four.

The Miami game was Joe’s second away match.

He said: “I was really excited, happy and lucky. It was my dream and I was just happy that I was with one of them.”

He met Rooney, who has 91 caps and 39 goals for England, but said the footballer was hard-at-work preparing on the game.

Saturday’s match was disrupted for 30 minutes by a thunderstorm and torrential showers, but this did not faze the youngster.

And after seeing the players up close, the budding pundit predicts that England will make it to the quarter finals at least of the World Cup. Joe said: “I think they have the chance. I think they will come third, or fifth.

“I’m watching out for Rooney and Gerrard.

“We are probably not going to win, but I think we will be in the quarter finals.

The match was good, but they were not passing enough.

“Football is one of my favourite things. I’ve been playing since I was six.”

Joe is a striker for Drayton and goes to matches with his 35-year-old dad.

Mr Scurr works for Polestar Stones, a printing company, and is father to Joe and five-year-old Ava.

The pair will get tickets for the World Cup semi-final through the England Supporter’s Group if Roy Hodgson’s side make it that far.

Mr Scurr said: “It was a really proud moment. I am made up for him and as a kid, it is what everyone would want to do.

“It was very hot and a bit of fun going to Miami.

“Most of the time supporting England we get to go to places in Europe.”